The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-04-30
PEKlNG CATHEDRAL.
Contemplated Removal OF a Catholic Edi-
flee Erected in the Year 1909.


the ancient Catholic cathedral at Pc
king and the bestowal of high rank
upon the Bishop and Able of the do
cese. Since 1902 this edifice has stood
within the imperial city of China, and
its lofty bell-tower, overlooking the inn
perial palace grounds, has been re-
garded as an obstacle to the good infiu-
ences of the spirits that haunt the
Chinese imaginations. Years passed,
but all efforts to remove the building
were fruitless until, during the last
year, the arts of diplomacy prevailed,
and the old cathedral is to be deserted.
Its past history is full of interest, and,
through the kindness of Rev. Father
Barchi, of St. Ignatius College, re-
porter obtained access to rare volumes
in the library which give history of
the cathedral from its inception.
In 1892 Father Gerbillion, a native of
Belgium, who by means of his mathe-
NAUTICAL attainments had become so
necessary to the service of the Chinese
Emperor, Kang Hi, that he had become
necessary to the council, obtained de-
cree authorizing freedom of Christian
worship throughout the country. In
1902 Kang Hi was afflicted with fever,
and the native doctors were unable to
cure him. Father Gerbillion had q small
quantity of quinine which the Jesuit
fathers had obtained in Peru, and by
the aid of the drug cured the imperial
patent. As a reward for this action
Kang Hi permitted the erection of
cathedral in corner of the palace
grounds.
The Mandarins then, as now, were
bitterly opposed to the erection of the
building, alleging the evil influences
which would ensue if the construc-
ton was proceeded with. In reply
to their objection the Emperor told
them: "These strangers have rem
dered me infinite services; they re-
fuse money, honors and office; they
take delight in their religion, and in
granting them permission to build a
house for worship can only give them
qualification. Kang Hi also gave the
fathers gold valued at 100000 francs,
which they invested in the stock of the
British and East India Company, and
until the dissolution of that corporation
in 1857 the interest on this sum was
paid to the Propaganda in Rome for
the maintenance of missions in China
and the East. AS further mark of
honor the Emperor wrote three inscrip-
tions, which were carved on stone
and placed in prominent positions
in the church. One, placed upon
a column, read as follows: ITO
the Creator of every thing" The
Others, inscribed on tablets, were: HE
Is infinitely good and just; He enlight-
ems, upholds and rules every thing with
supreme authority and with sovereign
justice" "He had no beginning and
will have no end He has made all things
from the earliest time. He is the Gov
ernor and the true Lord of them"
These inscriptions will doubtless be
removed to the cathedral, their value
being inestimable, not only in the eyes
of the fathers, but also in the estimation
of the Chinese.
The building itself was about 1875 feet
long and some thirty feet wide. Bricks
and plaster were used in its construc-
ton. For nearly two centuries the
cathedral has stood undisturbed Build
ings have been added in the shape of a
hospital and dispensary, museum Of
science, and room where splendid
collection of the flora and fauna of
North China, made by Pere David, is
arranged.
Attempts by the Chinese to remove
the cathedral have been Intellectual,
although every Emperor and Empress
since Kang His time have used their
endeavors by threats and persuasion.
In 1886 the Empress Dowager, who has
made the removal of this building an
object, sought the aid of foreigners in
the employ of Chinese customs, and by
dint of q mission to the Pope, aided by
the influence of the French Minister,
under whose government the fathers
have enjoyed protection for many
years, accomplished her desires. The
fathers have received piece of land
on the northwest corner of the imperial
palace grounds, whereon they will
build a new cathedral. Bishop Taglia-
bue was decorated with the insignia of
mandarin of the first class, second
grade, and Able Favier received a
blue button, emitting him to the rank
of an official of the second class, first
grade. In addition to the land, $780,
600 taels equal to $300,000) is to be
paid as the cost of erecting a new ca
thedral. The only restriction placed
upon the fathers is that that the new
cathedral shall not be built any higher
than the Chinese buildings, as the oc-
cult wind and water influence, which
any tower would be likely to occasion,
will thus be avoided. 1t may be noted
that the Jesuit fathers transferred their
religious buildings and converts in
China to the Lazarists many years ago,
aad it was with the principals of that
mission that the Chinese Government
dealt in their negotiations concerning
the removal of the cathedral. San